I have just received a batch of three 16mm cartoons from Ebay. On visual inspection, I was alarmed to see that the one I had really wanted (Ginger Knutt's Christmas Circus) was on double perforated film. I.E. sprockets on both sides, which basically is silent stock.
However, after loading up the projector, I was astounded to find that it DID have a soundtrack. On further inspection, there IS a sound track in between the sprockets holes, which is of the "bar code" variety. The net result is that not only do I get the soundtrack, I also get 24 "clicks" a second as the sound head reacts to the sprockets making the intended sound irritating. This seems a complete contradiction, like expecting to eat hot ice cream, or swim in dry water!
Why were these films made this way, does anyone know ? Was it a mistake or maybe produced before someone had the idea of a single row on the opposite side to the sound ? I would be interested to know.
I have a sample of the film below. Incidentally, the color is excellent.
However, after loading up the projector, I was astounded to find that it DID have a soundtrack. On further inspection, there IS a sound track in between the sprockets holes, which is of the "bar code" variety. The net result is that not only do I get the soundtrack, I also get 24 "clicks" a second as the sound head reacts to the sprockets making the intended sound irritating. This seems a complete contradiction, like expecting to eat hot ice cream, or swim in dry water!
Why were these films made this way, does anyone know ? Was it a mistake or maybe produced before someone had the idea of a single row on the opposite side to the sound ? I would be interested to know.
I have a sample of the film below. Incidentally, the color is excellent.
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